Joseph Parker knows his five-year-plan to regain and unify the world heavyweight title before hanging up his gloves must begin this Saturday - when only a spectacular victory over Dillian Whyte will put him in line for an April rematch with Anthony Joshua.

The New Zealander and Whyte collide in a crossroads clash at the O2 Arena, four months after Parker surrendered his WBO belt to AJ in Cardiff.

Parker was criticised for his cautious approach that night. But he claims he has rediscovered his bloodlust and is ready to 'go to war' to return to world title contention.

Parker is looking to bounce back following defeat by Anthony Joshua in Cardiff in March

'I have learned from that fight, I was not aggressive enough and I wasn't mongrel enough,' he said following Thursday's press conference in London.

'I said I wanted to hurt people from now on and I really mean that... I want to go out and smash his body and head and exchange punches.

He added: 'As much as I want to box and move and win, I have to go to war... I feel an impressive victory, in great fashion, could get me that fight. We have to put on a great show and hopefully the winner will get Joshua if he doesn't get that big fight with (Deontay) Wilder.

Share this article

Share

Joshua faces Alexander Povetkin at Wembley Stadium on September 22 before returning to the national stadium on April 13 next year, with the aim of luring WBC king Wilder into a shot at the undisputed title.

Parker, still only 26, hopes to gate-crash that party before quitting the sport before his 32nd birthday and turning his focus to a more cerebral task.

'I want to go hard for another five years, finish at 30 or 31 and do something else,' he revealed.

'I said I wanted to hurt people from now on and I really mean that,' Parker said on Thursday

'My family is secure so I am boxing now for passion and love and the glory. I want to be a champion but then I want to help kids in the Pacific. But maybe if I am dominating I will extend it to 35.'

This Saturday's showdown with Whyte will be Parker's third successive fight in the UK, following clashes with AJ and Hughie Fury.

His record on these shores stands at one win and one defeat. But whatever the result this weekend, it is a run that has changed the New Zealander's life forever.

'Am I a lot richer? Maybe, I have better shoes,' he joked before pointing at the glittering white trainers gleaming beneath his navy suit.

'I have five pairs at the moment. I give them all away. My family members come over to hang out and the next thing they are walking out with them on!

He added: 'I am just enjoying life, the great thing about the (AJ) fight is I am able to look after my family, especially my parents.

'It is a blessing to be able to look after people in life. In can take away hunger but mine is there more than ever. The boxing legends were all two-or-three-time world champions, I have done it once but I want to do it again and be unified.'

The two fighters come face-to-face in London at the end of their final press conference

Parker said he would also be open to facing the likes of Tyson Fury and Tony Bellew (pictured)

Even if Parker misses out on a shot at the two current kings of the division, he is not short of options.

'I wouldn't mind (fighting Tony) Bellew, Tyson Fury, I want to be the fighter who fought everyone, all the best in the world,' he said.

'Tyson is very friendly and I respect him as one of the best of our time... when he gets back in shape I want to challenge him and test myself against him.'

For now, though, the 26-year-old knows better than to look beyond the challenge Whyte will pose on Saturday.

'Each fight he has improved and looked better. He can become a champion, he has the drive and confidence,' he said.

'He has only been knocked out once so it will be hard, even if I knock him down I think he will get back up, that shows he has heart.'